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2026

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2027

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2028

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Who is travelling?

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From
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US $606 per person

Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive

7 days
From San Jose to Alajuela
5.0
3 traveler reviews
From
$713
-15%
US $606 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Self-guided
Independent exploration, backed by expert advice and support
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
All Ages Welcome
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    San Jose

    Start point
    Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), Ruta Nacional 1, Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica (Car pick up at San Jose Airport)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Villa Tournon), Hotel (Hotel Balmoral), Hotel (Park Inn)
  2. Day 2

    San Jose to Arenal

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (San Bosco), Hotel (Montaña de Fuego), Hotel (Los Lagos)

    Included Activities

    • Breakfast
    • Photo opportunity at Zarcero village and topiary garden viewing

    Optional Activities

    • Visit hot springs facilities in Arenal
    • Dinner at hot springs restaurants
    Landmarks
    Iglesia de San Rafael
    Parque Francisco Alvarado
    Arenal Volcano
  3. Day 3

    Arenal

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (San Bosco), Hotel (Montaña de Fuego), Hotel (Los Lagos)

    Included Activities

    • Breakfast

    Optional Activities

    • Hiking to Arenal National Park
    • Natural hot springs
    • Horseback riding tour to La Fortuna Waterfall
    • Sky Tram gondola rides through rainforest with observation deck views
    • Sky Trek zip line tour
    Landmarks
    Arenal Volcano National Park
    La Fortuna Waterfall
    Lake Arenal
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  4. Day 4

    Arenal to Manuel Antonio

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Plaza Yara), Hotel (Costa Verde), Hotel (San Bada)

    Included Activities

    • Breakfast
    • Drive to Manuel Antonio

    Optional Activities

    • Manuel Antonio National Park and beach exploration
    • Boat trip through estuaries and mangroves surrounding Damas Island
    • Visit Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation (sustainable organic farm with vanilla, cocoa, pepper and cinnamon)
    Landmarks
    Manuel Antonio National Park
    Damas Island
    Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation
    Itinerary Image 1
  5. Day 5

    Manuel Antonio

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Plaza Yara), Hotel (Costa Verde), Hotel (San Bada)

    Included Activities

    • Breakfast

    Optional Activities

    • Zip-lining canopy tour
    • Horseback riding tour
    • Afternoon guided tour to Manuel Antonio National Park with wildlife viewing and 20 minutes leisure time on park beach
    • Naturalist catamaran tour with marine life viewing, snorkeling adventure and Pacific sunset
    Landmarks
    Manuel Antonio National Park
  6. Day 6

    Manuel Antonio to San Jose

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Villa Tournon), Hotel (Hotel Balmoral), Hotel (Park Inn)

    Included Activities

    • Breakfast
    • Drive to San Jose

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Poas Volcano National Park with short easy hiking trails
    • Visit Irazu volcano (Costa Rica's highest active volcano)
    • Visit Orosi Valley and its colonial church (oldest church in Costa Rica)
    • Museums in San Jose
    • Mercado Central (food market)
    Landmarks
    Poas Volcano National Park
    Lake Botos
    Irazu Volcano
    Orosi Valley
    Mercado Central
  7. Day 7

    San Jose Departure

    End point
    Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), Ruta Nacional 1, Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica (Car drop off at San Jose Airport)
    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Breakfast

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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Guide
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change
Platinum Operator
Rating
4.4(375 reviews)
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
100%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

5.0
Overall rating based on 3 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.7
  • Transport
    5.0
  • Guide
    5.0
  • Accommodation
    4.7
  • Food
    5.0
  • 4.4

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Highest First
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  • Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive reviewer 1
    January 26th, 2025
    This was a fantastic experience. The hotels were good to great and Costa Rica is a beautiful country. Renting the...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2025
  • G
    July 18th, 2023
    Our trip was great! We loved the volcanos area so much that we are planning a return visit.
    Traveled in July 2023
  • Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive reviewer 3
    June 5th, 2022
    It was great experience. I had no issues during my trip. Very recommended.
    Traveled in May 2022
    Reply from: Destination Services Costa Rica
    Thanks so much for your feedback!, we really appreciate the time you took to write such a review!. Hope soon you come back to Costa Rica!!
    Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 13 May, 2026
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Sunday
    10 May, 2026
    To Saturday
    16 May, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $713
    US $606 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Monday
    11 May, 2026
    To Sunday
    17 May, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $713
    US $606 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Tuesday
    12 May, 2026
    To Monday
    18 May, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $713
    US $606 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Wednesday
    13 May, 2026
    To Tuesday
    19 May, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $713
    US $606 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Thursday
    14 May, 2026
    To Wednesday
    20 May, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $713
    US $606 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Friday
    15 May, 2026
    To Thursday
    21 May, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $713
    US $606 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Saturday
    16 May, 2026
    To Friday
    22 May, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $713
    US $606 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Sunday
    17 May, 2026
    To Saturday
    23 May, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $713
    US $606 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Monday
    18 May, 2026
    To Sunday
    24 May, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $713
    US $606 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Tuesday
    19 May, 2026
    To Monday
    25 May, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $713
    US $606 per person
    Multiple Room Types

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
We couldn't find results
Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • N

    Nóra

    Asked on March 8th, 2025

    Is there any penalty for date changes or cancellations?

    Payments
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten March 2025

      Date changes might be possible without penalty if done within a specified period. Cancellations might incur fees; please refer to the terms and conditions.

  • D

    Dieter

    Asked on February 5th, 2025

    What type of accommodations are included in the tour?

    Accommodation
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten February 2025

      The tour includes stays in hotel rooms with breakfast. Detailed accommodation information will be confirmed after booking.

  • S

    Sophia

    Asked on January 16th, 2025

    Is there a minimum age to drive in Costa Rica?

    Age Range
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten January 2025

      The minimum age to drive in Costa Rica is 18 years old, and the minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old.

  • B

    Bonnie

    Asked on January 11th, 2025

    Can I customize the tour itinerary?

    Tour Details
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten January 2025

      Yes, customization of the itinerary is possible. Please inform us about your preferences and we will accommodate them accordingly.

  • L

    Laurent

    Asked on October 3rd, 2024

    Is there travel support available during the tour?

    Travel Support
  • R

    Rick

    Asked on August 16th, 2024

    Can I add a guided tour instead of self-driving?

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten August 2024

      If you prefer not to drive, there are options for tours with transport included. Please inform us, and we will help you arrange it.

  • M

    Moha

    Asked on February 23rd, 2024

    Is car insurance included in the tour?

    Transport
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten February 2024

      Full car insurance is not included. Additional insurance can be purchased directly from the car rental company upon arrival.

  • T

    Tina

    Asked on February 22nd, 2024

    What is the process for renting a car during the tour?

    Transport
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten February 2024

      You can book the car rental in advance, and it will be available at the hotel upon your arrival.

  • E

    Excelance

    Asked on January 18th, 2024

    How can I pay for the tour?

    Payments
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten January 2024

      You can pay for the tour online by clicking on 'Book now'. All major payment methods are accepted.

  • R

    Rebecca

    Asked on January 9th, 2024

    What documents are required for the tour?

    Visa
    • Destination Services Costa RicaOperatorWritten January 2024

      All necessary documents include a driving license from your own country and Covid vaccination proof.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Destination Services Costa Rica with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.
From
$713
-15%
US $606 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 207473

  • Currency
    Costa Rican Colon
    Costa Rica
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Costa Rica. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Costa Rica. Ideally 10 days before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before July 5th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 5th, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Destination Services Costa Rica. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Destination Services Costa Rica will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Destination Services Costa Rica" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec